I was under the impression that the patriarch was Coptic but it transpired he was actually the Syriac patriarch Yuhannon d-Sedreh (d. 649). Very interesting document with many good answers to the Muslim Emir’s questions.

Michael the Syrian gives the sequel to this debate. Yohannan so impressed the emir ‘Amr ibn Sa’d with his learning that he was instructed to translate the New Testament into Arabic for the edification of the Muslims. Unfortunately, there were strings attached.

When he saw his courage and the breadth of his learning, ‘Amr was astonished. Then he gave this order. ‘Translate your Gospel into Arabic, the language of the Saracens. But just be sure that you make no mention of Christ’s divinity, baptism or crucifixion.’ The blessed man, strengthened by the Lord, replied, ‘God forbid that I should change a single jot or tittle of the Gospel, even if I were to be pierced by all the daggers and all the lances in your camp!’ Seeing that he could not convince him, ‘Amr said to him, ‘Off with you, then. Write whatever you want.’